Reach the Runway program helps Hawaii students in pursuit of fashion

2016-11-08T21:34:31Z2016-11-08T21:36:55Z

(Image: Hawaii News Now)

(Image: Hawaii News Now)

From Reach the Runway

Reach the Runway presents Fashion in Paradise, a benefit gala to support the nonprofit mentorship program. The event, which will kick off the 3rd annual HONOLULU Fashion Week, will take place at SALT at Our Kaka?ako on Wednesday, November 9 from 6 to 10 p.m.

The evening presents an opportunity for sponsors and guests to support Hawai?i's youth while enjoying a night filled with amazing fashion, tantalizing tropical cuisine, Island-inspired cocktails, entertainment—and a few fun surprises. Attendees are encouraged to elevate their aloha attire and come dressed to impress, wearing palaka, pearls, haku lei, heels, or any expression of their personal paradise.

As Reach the Runway is run completely by volunteers, the goal of this event is to raise funds to support the incoming group of mentees in 2017, as well as the new alumni program. Over the past two years, the program has allowed students from all over O?ahu to learn, grow and pursue their passions in journalism, photography, magazine design, fashion design, hair & makeup, styling and modeling. Hopefully, with enough community support, Reach the Runway can eventually expand to include students statewide.

Reach the Runway is the official nonprofit program of HONOLULU Fashion Week. Open to O‘ahu middle school students who are currently enrolled in 6th, 7th or 8th grade, the program is designed to inspire and support Hawai?i’s youth by creating mentorship opportunities for students who are interested in journalism, photography, fashion design, magazine design, hair & makeup, styling and modeling. In addition to expanding their technical skills in specific fields, the program develops students’ confidence, determination and passion for their future careers.

The long-term goal of Reach the Runway, in partnership with Lieutenant Governor Shan S. Tsutsui’s REACH Out Hawai‘i program, is to provide middle school students statewide with a broader understanding of careers in the local fashion industry while equipping them with tools to start building their own paths in this field. The ultimate mission is to grow the Island fashion community, so that future professionals can thrive and expand the way the world views Hawai?i fashion. More information about the program and the official application can be found online at www.reachtherunway.com.